Further changes to Select Health therapy policies affect therapists

New changes to how Select Health handles therapy billing have raised questions for therapists and clients. This explainer summarizes what happened, who may be affected, and practical next steps, using sources that discuss the policy shifts and their potential effects on care access and billing practices.

What changed in Select Health therapy policies

Reports describe changes to how Select Health bills for therapy services and how therapists must document or code those services. These shifts can affect which services are covered, how quickly claims are processed, and what documentation is required for reimbursement. While the exact terms can vary by plan, the core issue is a reevaluation of billing practices that therapists say may increase administrative work and delay payment, potentially influencing how therapists schedule and provide care.

Who is affected

Therapists who bill for mental health services using Select Health plans are directly affected, especially those who work with complex trauma, attachment disorders, PTSD, or specialized therapies like EMDR. Clients receiving covered therapy may notice changes in how sessions are approved or paid, which could influence access to timely care if billing hurdles delay services. The policy changes may also affect clinics and private practices that rely on predictable reimbursement cycles.

Practical next steps for stakeholders

For therapists: review current billing practices and plan requirements with Select Health representatives or billing coordinators; confirm what codes and documentation are now needed; prepare for potential adjustments in appointment scheduling and reimbursement timelines. For clients: contact your therapist or insurer if you notice delays in claims or changes to coverage; ask for written guidance on what services are eligible and how to submit claims. For clinics, consider updating internal billing checklists and client communications to reflect any new procedures and expected timelines. If you rely on EMDR or trauma-focused care, discuss with your provider how these policy changes may affect your treatment plan and any required documentation to ensure continued coverage.

Limits and questions to monitor

Key questions to keep in mind include: Are there new approval steps before a session is scheduled? Have payment rates or reimbursable codes changed? Do clients need to pre-authorize sessions or submit additional forms? What is the expected turnaround time for claims under the new policies? How will retroactive denials be handled if a claim was submitted before changes took effect? These details should come from official Select Health communications or direct insurer contacts, not secondary summaries.

Information and responsibility notice: This article is general information based on the cited material available when published. It is not legal, tax, immigration, medical, financial, banking, or investment advice; it does not create a professional-client relationship; and it is not a guarantee of outcome, availability, accuracy, or eligibility. Rules, schedules, prices, and third-party information can change. Confirm material decisions with the relevant authority and an appropriately qualified adviser before acting.